If you have been injured at work, you deserve to be compensated. However, workers’ compensation cases often tend to be complicated if you choose to represent yourself. If you want to get your maximum compensation, you need to talk to the best Athens workers compensation lawyers at the Workers Compensation Lawyers Coalition.
At WCL, we are always ready to represent injured workers and can work on your case immediately.
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What Is Workers Compensation?
Workers compensation is an insurance policy applied by your employer to make sure that you are compensated if you are hurt on the job. Under this insurance cover, you are entitled to the following types of compensation.
- Medical costs such as travel expenses to doctor’s appointments, prescription medication, and hospital stays.
- Disability benefits (both permanent and temporary total disability benefit) if you can’t go back to work because of your injury permanently or for a specific period of time.
- Physical therapy to help you recover from your injury.
- Vocational rehabilitation if you have to be educated or retrained after suffering an injury.
Since each state has different laws regarding workers’ compensation, it’s prudent to get workers’ compensation attorneys who are experts in Georgia state law. Talk to our Athens workers’ compensation lawyers and get the best legal help after being injured at work.
What Should I Do If I Am Hurt on the Job?
First, you have to notify your employer that you are hurt. You can write an email or tell them in person but you have to take note of the person you have notified and their rank in case anyone contradicts the information later.
Secondly, you should visit a doctor immediately. Make sure you visit a doctor recommended to you by your employer or your employer’s insurance company. You should follow the doctor’s instructions regarding your workplace injury.
Start a record of your injuries and symptoms and update them regularly since it will be used as evidence during your compensation claim. You should also take photographs and videos of your injuries.
File a workers compensation claim using the best Athens workers compensation lawyer at WCL. If you don’t file a claim, you will not be able to receive your compensation.
At the Workers Compensation Lawyers Coalition, we have worked on numerous workers’ compensation cases over the years. Therefore, we can help you after your workplace injury in Athens, GA. Call us today so we can start working on your case immediately.
Common Workplace Accident Injuries
Anyone can easily get injured at work. If that happens, they are likely going to suffer from any of the following injuries.
- Slip and fall
- Fractures
- Hearing loss
- Construction accidents
- Burns
- Back and neck injuries
- Accidents while traveling for business
- Amputations
- Joint pain
- Accidents while working with tools and machinery
Regardless of the type of injury you have suffered, you should be compensated. Therefore, you need to talk to the best Athens workers compensation lawyers at WCL to get the best legal help you need for your compensation claim in Georgia.
Why Should I Hire an Athens Workers Compensation Lawyer?
You might feel like hiring an attorney is too costly and time-consuming for you. However, if you choose WCL for your workers’ compensation case in Athens, GA, you can enjoy the following benefits.
Filing the Claim and Collecting Evidence
We have a lot of experience in filing workers’ compensation cases in Georgia. Therefore, we understand the right procedure to file a claim, the type of evidence required to prove your case, and the right documentation needed. When you are recuperating from a workplace injury, you might not feel up to filing the claim or collecting the evidence so we can do it on your behalf.
Negotiations With Your Employer and Their Insurance Company
If you have to face your employer’s insurance company on your own, you might lose during the negotiations. Therefore, let us help you out since we are expert negotiators. We will make sure that the insurance company doesn’t give you a lower offer than you deserve.
Trial Preparation and Litigation
Finally, if your case can’t be settled through negotiations, it will end up before a judge and jury. If you don’t have trial experience, you will have a hard time representing yourself in court. At WCL, we have litigation experience and can present the facts of your case in front of the judge and jury to make sure that you are compensated accordingly.
Contact the Workers Compensation Lawyers Coalition in Athens, GA if you have been injured at work and we can start working on your case.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire an Athens, GA Workers Compensation Attorney?
You don’t have to worry about the cost of hiring WCL for your workers’ compensation case in Athens, GA. That’s because we work on a contingency basis. It means that we will only get paid when you receive your compensation. We will work tirelessly to make sure that you are compensated for your workplace injury without worrying about the legal fees. Call us now to get a free initial consultation so we can get a better understanding of your case.
What Should I Do If My Workers Compensation Claim Is Denied In Georgia?
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied in Georgia, you have a right to ask the reason for denial then file an appeal. Under the law, you are entitled to compensation benefits even after a denial. Next, you can file a request to have a hearing before the State Board Of Workers Compensation.
Here, an administrative law judge will hear your claim and ascertain your injuries and whether or not you should receive your workers’ compensation benefits in Athens, GA.
Make sure that you have supporting evidence for your claim and we can also help present your case as your Athens workers compensation lawyers to guarantee that you are compensated for your injuries. We are here to help you throughout the whole process, even if your claim is denied.
What Responsibility Does the Employee Have in Filing a Workers Compensation Claim in Athens, GA?
As an employee, you have the following responsibilities with regard to workers compensation claims in GA:
- You should follow the written rules of safety and other policies or procedures as provided by the employer.
- Make sure you report an accident immediately (within 30 days) to your employer, your supervisor, foreman, or your employer’s representative.
- Accept medical treatment and rehabilitation services as ordered by the State Board Of Workers Compensation.
- Prove that the incident wasn’t caused by your willful misconduct.
- Notify your employer’s insurer if you move to a new place and when you are able to return to work part-time or full-time. You should also report your total weekly earnings since you might be eligible for some benefits even after returning to work,
- Attempt to do a job as recommended by the treating physician even if it has lower pay than the previous job before the injury.
- Tell the truth about your injury to avoid a misdemeanor for making misleading or false statements.
If you don’t understand your rights as an employee, call WCL workers’ compensation lawyers to handle your case. We can help you understand your rights and what you need to do after an injury.
What Responsibility Does the Employer Have in the Workers Compensation Process in Georgia?
Every employer should have workers’ compensation insurance and have a return to work program that displays what you need to do if you have been injured at work. If an employee has reported an injury, an employer should file the workers’ compensation claim form and send the employee to an assigned doctor for medical treatment.
Can I Be Fired for Filing a Workers Compensation Claim?
No, your employer can’t fire you for claiming workers’ compensation after an injury. If you have been fired, we can help you find the best legal recourse to make sure you are reinstated and offered your benefits accordingly.
Is There a Time Limit to File a Workers Compensation Claim in Athens, GA?
If you have suffered a workplace injury in Georgia, you can file your compensation claim within a year after the date of your accident. Filing your claim later means that you will not be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits because the statute of limitations has expired. Call WCL in Athens, GA so we can start working on your case immediately.
Can I Sue My Employer?
No, you can’t sue your employer in Georgia after suffering a workplace injury because you will be compensated under the workers’ compensation law.
Can an Independent Contractor File a Workers Compensation Claim in Athens, GA?
No, if you are an independent contractor, you can’t file a worker’s compensation claim in Georgia because you are not categorized as a regular employee.
What Is My Athens, GA Workers Compensation Claim Worth?
After filing a workers ‘compensation claim in Georgia, you can receive the following benefits.
- Medical bills, treated by authorized physicians.
- Rehabilitation costs
- A percentage of your lost wages
- Cost of prescription medication
- Any travel expenses related to the treatment of your injury
- Your income loss replacement benefit adds up to two-thirds of your average weekly wage with a maximum of $575 per week.
- Permanent partial disability benefits are awarded if you are given a disability rating in accordance with AMA guidelines.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
At the Workers Compensation Lawyers Coalition, we are ready to start working on your workers’ compensation case in Athens, GA. We are experienced and knowledgeable about different workers’ compensation rules and procedures in Georgia. Contact Workers Compensation Lawyers Coalition Atlanta today to talk to our top representatives.
